Becoming a tractor entrepreneur has transformed the life of 47-year-old Sanjay Murti and other cane farmers from the Solove Sector in Seaqaqa after giving up harvesting cane.
Murti is the founder of Isharat Farm Services, who stepped into the role of a Tractor Service Provider, to address the critical need within the sector.
He says he saw a shortage of tractors in the sector, which made it difficult for farmers to prepare their land while many couldn't afford to pay upfront.
Murti offers hope to other farmers by looking to improve their livelihoods through alternate revenue-generation schemes in cane farming.
In 2022, with the support of the Fiji Sugar Corporation Limited and the Ministry of Agriculture, Murti took on the bold step of becoming a Tractor Service Provider.
He says he then started to assist local farmers with land preparation and expanded his business to a fleet of six tractors and a range of essential implements, including disc ploughs, tillers, slashers and boom sprayers—tools vital for sugarcane farming.
Murti further says the journey was not easy, but with perseverance and support from FSC field officials and the team, he was able to grow his business.
The 47-year-old adds that his success story is a beacon of hope for others in the farming community that can be achieved with determination.
